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Here we go again! This past year I slowed down the amount of posts I put out for the first time in 6 years. With blogging 5 days a week over on Sisters Marie and having two kids (and all that comes with being a homemaker) it was the right move for me at the time. As most of you know, the company I co-owned went under this year, so my plate was a bit overfull and then it was all about finding a new balance. This time though, my new balance would include writing for just myself and carving out a lot more "me" moments in my days. As it should be. ;)

I'm not sure what 2016 will bring, but I do know there will be some changes here on Stilettos and Diaper Bags. Get ready for more fashion, more recipes, and as my family enters a new chapter of buying (and decorating) a new home, I will post all about it here!

So this year I only put out 61 outfit posts. That is way less then the 150 I put out in 2014! The major change this year was my hair. A few months into 2015 I decided to chop off seven inches. About one month later I cut off another three inches. Since then, I have been growing it out but I'll probably go for the "big chop" again at some point in the next year or two. My hair grows so fast, so why not?!

Love looking at "top look" type posts? Take a look back at my best outfits of 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, and I didn't post a "top looks" of 2010, but feel free to take a look back at me in all my pregnant glory!

I hope everyone has a safe and amazing NYE! I will be back up and posting regularly int he new year. xo

Tomorrow I'll be sharing my top outfits from the past year. In honor of finishing off this year in blogging, I thought today I'd share some bloopers from the past few months. As you all know by now, I love these outtake type photos the most. I have recently been backing up and emptying out my photo folders (again), so I like that I am putting them to good use. Hey, if you can't laugh at yourself.... ;) Without further ado, I give you Outtakes: Volume 5:

But first, kisses!

Blindly, awkwardly walking.

Trying to give my skirt movement, gave myself a big backside instead!

"Wait, hair in lipstick."

"This is going to look so cool...me peeking through the drapes. (Looks at photo) What was I thinking?!"

Mid-shoot happy dance

Timmer photo shoot. Got to love the rapid shot pictures!

"Do the gloves look cute when I do this?"

When the pose in your mind seems way cuter.

As most of you already know, I currently write for two blogs (Stilettos and Diaper Bags & Sisters Marie), so I've got a lot of "cutting room floor" type posts. Feel free to check out more of my outtakes (posts here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here,here, here, and here) since we are already keeping it light today.

What do you think of this round of outtakes? Which from above is your favorite?

It's that time of year again and I couldn't be more excited! The gifts are wrapped, my kids are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Santa, and of course, Christmas morning is all that is being talked about. (Oh to be under 10 years old again!)

The holiday season for my family is filled with many Christmas parties in a few short days, so I like to be as prepared as possible. Each year I pack myself a holiday survival bag and this year is no exception. Here is what I have put together so far.

First off, a festive red bag is key. Make sure it is functional enough to carry all of the items you may need while still looking holiday chic. Now it's time to fill this bad boy up!

Here is what made it into my bag this year: non toxic deodorant, Jo Malone perfume, eyelashes, nail polish, Burt Bees hand cream, BPA free water bottle, a glitter wallet (or any festive wallet), Hanes shape wear, Hanes hosiery, and an extra gift card (it hasn't happened yet, but just in case a gift was forgotten or misplaced). I usually toss in a few snacks too so the car rides are happy and go smoother. Need a last minute nail touch up or refresh of deodorant before the next party? Thank to my survival bag, now I am covered!

This season is filled with dressing up and nothing makes your clothing look better then Hanes. I am loving their shareware and hosiery so I keep doubles in my bag in case a snag happens or I want to add some shapewear last minute. Plus I love how my clothes look when I am wearing them. I mean, these are a staple for this mother-of-two!

This December has been so odd weather wise. It's about 40 degrees warmer then last year at this time, and it has only snowed once (not complaining, it's fantastic). On this day I only needed to wear a sweater coat over my turtleneck and I was warm enough for a day of errands and shopping.

To make my everyday wear really pop, I added the biggest statement necklace I own, a bright lip, and my favorite Christmas gift yet, a gorgeous citrine ring. Nothing says not so everyday wear like bold accessories. And can we give a big "well played Ryan" to my husband for the most beautiful ring I've ever seen! I must have been on the nice list this year. ;)

Winter style just got a whole lot cuter with these adorable mittens that say "Hi y'all" and "Bye y'all". Sadly, they are currently sold out, but I was all too excited to open my pretty blue box from Draper James & find these beauties. Reese Witherspoon really has a great, well rounded site with amazing items for not only your wardrobe, but also for you home. (Can we just talk about this tray for a second? Swoon!)

I was wearing all black and white until it was time for the outerwear to be layered on. By adding my matching mittens and hat plus the boots, my outfit took on a new look! I decided to finish it off by adding a nice bright pink lip. I have to admit, my Christmas shopping was that much more fun because I got in the holiday spirit just by dressing in this!

Lately I've been obsessed with wanting to buy new jackets and coats. I'm serious, even though I LOVE my wool trench, I was looking at another and had myself convinced I needed to replace it. The only difference was it had a faux fur neck.

I think as a fashion blogger there is always so much pressure to have the newest items, the latest trends, and the hottest "it" item each season. I've done my fair share of shopping over the past decade, but enough is enough...I just can't keep up! My bank account was not built for that and I am more then happy with what I currently own. So, lets think smarter here, shall we? It was clear the only solution was to not buy all new coats, but to buy the perfect faux fur stole to add to all of my current coats. You guys, this is a game changer! You can literally have all new outerwear by simply adding a faux fur stole over each one. Genius!

Wool Trench (before & after)

Faux Leather (before & after)

So smart, right? Patting myself on the back as we speak. ;) I found this one at Nordstrom, but they are literally everywhere this season. I can pair this with any and all of my jackets as I could even pair it over some of my favorite knit cardigans too! I hope I have inspired you to shop smarter while drooling over what everyone else is wearing online.

This year (much like the past few years), I have been stocking up on oversized sweaters for everyday wear. It really makes for an effortless morning to style a beautiful knit with skinny jeans and a few of your favorite accessories.

On this day I kept it a bit matchy by layering my camel wool coat and finishing the look off with camel OTK boots. Sometimes I really love mixing up the colors and other days I like the keep the hues matched. Your clothing really does become a reflection of your mood for the day...well mine does anyway!

I have been blogging here less and less lately, but still keep my Instagram posts coming daily. Life gets busy, and I appreciate that Stilettos and Diaper Bags has been a creative outlet for me for almost seven year now (oh my goodness, how has it been that long?)! I just wanted to take a moment and thank all of my readers who come to the blog to read my full post, kisses to you! Your support is amazing!

We are a family that loves cooking together and this recipe we tried at the end of the summer blew our socks off. It is hands down my favorite chicken recipes we have made to date (yeah, it's that good you guys!) and the kids agreed we must cook it again soon. Thank you New York Times Cooking for not only highlighting this recipe, but adding a video for step-by-step. Having that video was really helpful for not only the kids but also the adults as I could not figure out how to do one of the steps without it. I have personally never cut a whole chicken in half (down the center), and doing that gives you a new appreciation for how much work goes into the healthy food we choose to create for our family.

I give you Greek Goddess Chicken:

INGREDIENTS

1 ½cups buttermilk or plain yogurt

1cup packed basil leaves

¼cup packed chives

2garlic cloves, peeled

2anchovy fillets (optional, we did not use)

1scallion, white and green parts

Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lime

2teaspoons coarse kosher salt

1teaspoon black pepper

1(4- to 5-pound) chicken, halved through the breast and back bones, patted dry with paper towels

1 to 2tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

PREPARATION

Put chicken halves in a bowl or large heavy-duty resealable plastic bag and cover with three-quarters of the Green Goddess marinade. (Save the rest to serve as a sauce.) Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or up to overnight.

Heat oven to 500 degrees. Remove chicken from the marinade, shaking off as much liquid as possible, and lay the halves on a rimmed baking sheet. (Discard the used marinade.) Pat chicken tops dry with paper towels and drizzle with oil. Roast until cooked through, about 30 to 45 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving, with some of the reserved sauce if you like.